Policy for Encouraging Childbirth and Role of Midwife

출산장려정책과 조산사의 역할

Objective : Recent government policy for encouraging increased birth rate and its historical background were reviewed from the standpoint of a midwife. Suggestions were made for an effective policy to encourage more births. Possible roles of midwives regarding this new policy were also discussed. Methods : Literature reviews and internet research Results : Korea has been very successful in implementing its population control policy since the 1960s. It now considers a policy to encourage increased births due to falling birth rates. There are two opposite sides on this policy. One is positive and the other is negative opinion. The health of women and children should be given top priority in any policy -making or decisions, so that the quality of their lives can be improved. Midwives can be active members in the establishment and implementation of such policies. Conclusion : This policy to increase birth rates can be a good opportunity for midwives to publicize the fact that normal deliveries can be handled economically, efficiently, and safely by them. This will attract more women to employ midwives and use their clinics. If midwifery clinics in the form of a corporation or a consortium with other health care professionals can be established, they could be developed as One-Stop Women's Health Care Centers, where health needs of, not only pregnant women, but all women over the course of their lifetimes can be satisfied.